PALS: bradycardia

Background

• Algorithm assumes pulse and poor perfusion (hypotension, altered mental status, and/or shock)

Management

• Start CPR if HR <60/min with poor perfusion
  • Recheck after 2min; if poor perfusion persists:
    • Give epinephrine 0.01mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg 1:10,000)
    • Give atropine 0.02mg/kg (only if due to increased vagal tone or AV block)
    • Transcutaneous pacing
      • Consider if bradycardia is due to complete heart block

Medication Dosing

Epinephrine 0.01mg/kg (0.1mL/kg of 1:10,000) IV/IO IV/IO Atropine 0.02mg/kg IV (min 0.1mg, max 0.5mg) IV

See Also

• PALS (Main)
• Bradycardia

References

AHA 2010 Guidelines for PALS